NEWS

WIRES

OTHER

The Cayman Islands Helps Kids Get 'Fresh Air' Once Again

The Fresh Air Fund is an independent, not-for-profit agency that has provided free summer vacations to more than 1.7 millionNew York City children from low-income communities since 1877. The Fresh Air Fund adolescents headed down to Cayman were selected by the organization based on their achievements, their willingness to succeed, and their history with the organization, and the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism has been working closely with The Fresh Air Fund to prepare all who are involved for the trip ahead.

"TheCayman Islands is proud to be working with an organization beloved by New Yorkers," said Acting Director of Tourism for the Cayman Islands Mr. Shomari Scott. "Our community is excited to welcome these children and we look forward to building upon the success of last year's program. The goal is to help these children experience and appreciate the unique culture and heritage of theCayman Islands while having the vacation of a lifetime."

Last summer eleven teens enjoyed a week in Cayman experiencing all the destination has to offer -- a safe, fun-filled, outdoor adventure in paradise. During the day the teens took part in Cayman's fun and interactive attractions including Stingray City, Boatswain's Beach, Pedro St. James historic site, and the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park, where an encounter with the rare and endangered Blue Iguana, (found only inGrand Cayman) was the highlight. The group kayaked through the mangroves, snorkeled in Cayman's pristine waters, and even took a day-trip to Cayman Brac, where they experienced the Parrot Reserve and Cayman Brac Heritage House and museum. In the evenings, the teens were able to get a real sense of Caymanian hospitality, from family life to cooking traditional dinners. It made for a remarkable, once-in-a-lifetime experience that theCayman Islands is looking forward to sharing with this year's group of Fresh Air Fund kids.

THE FRESH AIR FUND, an independent, not-for-profit agency, has provided free summer vacations to more than 1.7 millionNew York City children from low-income communities since 1877. Nearly 10,000New York City children enjoy free Fresh Air Fund programs annually. In 2006, close to 5,000 children visited volunteer host families in suburbs and small town communities across 13 states fromVirginia toMaine andCanada. 3,000 children also attended five Fresh Air camps on a 2,300-acre site inFishkill, New York. The Fund's year- round camping program serves an additional 2,000 young people each year.

Located 480 miles south ofMiami in the vibrant tranquility of western Caribbean, this trio of tiny islands is a premier destination for discriminating travelers, honeymooners and families. World renowned for its idyllic beaches and diving spots, and recognized as a sophisticated, diverse financial center, theCayman Islands offer spectacular recreational opportunities along with warm, impeccable service. To learn more about the Cayman Islands, visit http://www.caymanislands.ky or http://www.divecayman.ky or call your local travel agent.

    For more info please contact:
    Missy Farren & Associates, Ltd. (212) 528-1691
    Agatha Capacchione, acapacchione@mfaltd.com
    Silvie Snow-Thomas, ssnow-thomas@mfaltd.com

SOURCE Cayman Islands Department of Tourism